How to control fire risks
Each business requires specific control measures depending on its operation. Finding the right controls that are workable but effective is important in every case. This process will start with a Fire Risk Assessment (FRA), as well as health and safety risk assessments being undertaken. The focus of both will be on the commercial use of lithium batteries. The occupation agreement of every Arch Company customer requires these assessments to be carried out and to be documented, regardless of the number of people who are employed.
A competently produced FRA will:
• Recognise the hazards presented by the use of lithium batteries • Identify the controls necessary to reduce the risk of fire • Consider if those controls are in place and are effective
This table outlines some typical control measures which an FRA may recommend:
Aim of control measure
Examples of typical controls
Prevention Stopping or reducing the chances of a fire
• European CE marked or British Kite marked equipment is used. • Equipment and batteries are regularly checked for damage. • Electrical Portable Appliance Testing is carried out. • The number of batteries at site is as low as possible. • Damaged and unwanted batteries are safely disposed of. • Automatic thermal cut outs to the power supply are used to prevent overcharging batteries. • Battery charging only takes place when there is someone at the site. • Fire resisting cabinets are used to store and charge batteries in. • Storing and charging batteries only happens within a sterile fire- resisting room. • An automatic fire detection and alarm system is installed, for example a smoke alarm. • An automatic fire suppression system is installed. • Staff are trained, they understand fire risks and what to do if a fire starts. • The Fire Service are told about the use of lithium batteries at site. • There are fire precautions at site, such as fire extinguishers and emergency lighting, and they work properly.
Protection Stopping a fire from growing or spreading
Intervention Keeping people safe
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August 2023
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